MI HS Graduates Can Now Enroll In Community College Tuition Free

MICHIGAN — Michigan high school graduates can now attend their local community college tuition-free.

The provision is part of Michigan's new school aid budget, which is part of the state's $82.5 billion state budget for the fiscal year 2025.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the new program delivers on the Michigan Guarantee, which aims to help students get better paying, high-skill jobs in a career they’re passionate about. The new program will save more than 18,000 students up to $4,800 a year from an in-district community college, Whitmer said.

"This education budget goes even further, delivering on our Michigan Guarantee to ensure every Michigan high school graduate can earn an associate degree or skills certificate tuition-free at their community college," Whitmer said. "Across our state more Michiganders are going back to school and getting the skills they need for high-skilled, better-paying jobs."

The new program also coincides with the Michigan Reconnect program, which provides free in-district community college tuition for students over the age of 25. Whitmer has now lowered the age from 25 to 21.

During her 2024 State of the Union address, Whitmer set the Sixty by 30 Goal to have at least 60 percent of Michiganders earn a degree or skill certificate by 2030 and created the Office of Sixty by 30 to lead the state’s effort.